A suspect in a Memphis murder case was apprehended when he fell through the ceiling of the abode where he was hiding. Deario Wilkerson, the 20-year-old accused, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service yesterday, Action News 5 reported.
Wilkerson is connected to the death of 27-year-old Troy Cunningham, who was shot on April 2 in North Memphis after an altercation. A warrant for first-degree murder and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon was issued on May 9. The US Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force subsequently traced Wilkerson near the scene of the crime, at a home located on the 1400 block of North Merton Street.
WREG noted that the fugitive attempted to conceal himself in the attic as deputy marshals, Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies, and Memphis police closed in. However, during the search, Wilkerson plummeted through the ceiling which led to his capture.
After the fall, officials confirmed that Wilkerson was not injured and the detainment proceeded without further incident. Details regarding his bond or hearing have not been disclosed at this time. Prior to the murder charges, Wilkerson had been accused of involvement in various burglaries and vehicle thefts earlier in May 2023, as NewsNation Now outlined in their coverage of the case.
